Lot 26: Manner of Alfred Drury (British, 1856-1944): A late 19th century New Sculpture School bronze figure of a nude

standing a contra posto, her right arm raised above her head, the other held in a gesture, raised on a spreading and stepped plinth base, 86cm high

The perfectly poised stance and thoughtful gaze of the present figure indicate a sculptor working in the New Sculpture Movement, creating an ideal nude to express symbolist ideas. The sculptor steers away from the overly sentimental and erotic whilst still retaining a romantic element and an aesthetically pleasing vision of the female nude. The voluptuous curves of her figure, the static pose and distant gaze imply that the sculptor was influenced by both the French romantic ideals (Drury studied under the great French sculptor Dalou) and also the English New Sculpture Movement where a generalised grace and idealised beauty combine with a naturalistic portrayal of naked flesh. Compare for instance Drury's figure of Circe (1893-4, Leeds City Art Gallery) or his figure of 'Evening' (1898, City Square, Leeds) to the present bronze, the solid curvaceous proportions of these figures, the dreamy facial expressions and carefully poised bodies which are typical of Drury's work from this era are all apparent.

Related Literature:
The New Sculpture, S. Beattie, Yale University Press, London, 1983, pages 109 and 113.
Nineteenth Century Romantic Bronzes, J. Cooper, David and Charles, London, 1975.
Sir Alfred Gilbert & The New Sculpture, R. Bowman Gallery, London, page 20.